Locals aghast as cafe serves up outrageous prices
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At the centre of Sydney's Potts Point, a trendy café is serving up breakfast with a side of sticker shock.
The establishment, known for its ambiance and delightful dishes, has become the talk of the town, not just for its cuisine but for the staggering prices that come with it. But before you hold onto your wallets, let's hear the story that's been circulating across social media and see if the cost is truly as outrageous as it seems.
A customer, known as Mark from the social media brand Breakfast Shirts, recently shared his experience at Pina, a café that became a hotspot for Sydney's brunch selection.
Mark's single plate of breakfast included a $32 steak and egg dish with added extras: bacon for $4.50, avocado for $6, and a hash brown for $3.
The total for him and a friend, including three coffees and a weekend surcharge, reached a whopping $140.
‘I’m not ripping on anyone for pricing or anything. I’m just saying…50 bucks for breakfast before coffee, crazy times.’,’ he said in the video, showing the food he ordered.
The $47 breakfast Mark ordered at Pina, Sydney. Credit: Tiktok/@breakfastshirts
Mark defended the price, stating that while it was a bit more than he'd usually spend, the quality of the meal made it worth it.
‘It’s probably a few dollars more than another cafe doing the same thing. But this was really a high-end breakfast,’ he commented.
It's important to note that Mark is no stranger to splurging on a meal, having previously spent over $100 on breakfast. He also mentioned that there were more affordable options on the menu, and diners could have opted out of ordering his additional sides.
‘I definitely appreciate that it’s expensive, but that’s not a reflection of the cafe and their pricing,’ he continued, ‘it’s a reflection of my personal spending habits at breakfast and what I’m willing to pay.’
The café owner, Mr Andrew Hardjasudarma, also weighed in, defending the $32 steak and egg dish by highlighting the quality of the wagyu steak used.
‘I know for some it’s expensive. But I have to believe that the quality will tell,’ Hardjasudarma said.
He emphasised that the dish's popularity is a testament to its value, with 80–100 plates sold each week.
‘We sell out every day; the customers love it so much,’ he further claimed.
Pina Cafe is bustling with customers on a Saturday morning. Credit: Tiktok/@breakfastshirts
Like many other business owners, Mr Hardjasudarma has been affected by increasing rent and utility costs during the cost-of-living crisis.‘Everything is so expensive these days.’
Alex Elliot-Howery, the owner of Cornersmith Cafe in Annandale, explained to The Sydney Morning Herald that they were being forced to close because the venue 'is simply not profitable'.'I think hospitality is a bit broken,' she continued. Ms Elliot-Howery shared with the publication that the business had been in 'survival mode' since COVID.
In similar news, a customer was criticising a cafe for their avocado toast for being expensive.
In the end, cafes can set their prices as they see fit as long as customers are willing to pay, and that particular cafe seems to have a thriving business.
So, are you overpaying for breakfast? It depends on what you value.
If high-quality ingredients, a unique culinary experience, and the ambiance of a popular café are important to you, then perhaps the price is justified.
However, if you're more budget-conscious, there are certainly cheaper options available, both at Pina and other establishments.
For our savvy seniors, it's always wise to consider the cost versus the experience. There's no harm in indulging once in a while, but it's also important to be aware of where your hard-earned pension is going.
Remember, a fulfilling breakfast doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. There are plenty of delightful cafes out there offering delicious meals at more modest prices and it is also amazing what you could whip up in your own kitchen. If you have any tried and tested breakfast recipes, be sure to add them to the SDC recipe forum.
Have you ever experienced a case of breakfast bill shock? What's the most you're willing to pay for a morning meal out? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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They can be pleased they won't be seeing me ordering it, anyway ! Because, I'd probably have a heart attack when I got the bill 
